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KEW COTTAGES COALITION

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This Click here for the latest News >>> Boroondara's Battle of the Bulge.. This prize 27 hectare site just kilometres from the city is being developed on a model than concerns the Committee greatly.... David Davis MLC Chairman, Select Committee of the Legislative Council on Public Land Developoment. It was September 11th 2008.  STOP PRESS. Wednesday 7th January 2009 "Cottages scheme no longer viable..." Brian Walsh, President, Kew Cottages Coalition today claimed that the contentious "Walker Development Plan" for Kew Cottages launched by the Bracks Government in 2006,  has now stalled, and is currently 'dead in the water'. Mr Walsh said, "Walker Corporation has simply ignored the green light it got for Stage 2 subdivision last year, and  is now seeking Government approval for a much higher density subdivision at the Cottages.   "This action proves that Walkers themselves believe that the Government's original scheme is simply no longer viable," he said. "So we now appear to have a clear case of a NSW builder faced with an unviable project asking to be bailed out by their partner the Victorian Government. "It is not a healthy situation, and one we believe John Lenders, as Treasurer, should have a very close look at. "As Treasurer, he has responsibilities to give directions under S.13 of the Project Development and Construction Act if there is a contingent liability to the State - which there clearly is at the Cottages." View the  Kew Cottages Coalition Objection to the Permit Application (Click here) View Heritage Permit Application Prepared by Walker Corporation Proposed 49 Lot Subdivision of Stage 2 (Click here) Summary of Proposed Changes to Stage 2 Up Apartment Buildings (Details confidential) Total Dwellings (Up 33% from 36 to 49 lots )  'No Through Roads' (Up from  0  to 2) Down Parkland, Trees, and Open Space ( Details confidential) Landscaped Road Reserves, Cycle Paths, and Footpaths  (Details confidential) Through Roads designed with Parking, and Footpaths suitable for the disabled (Down From  8 to 3) The Bottom Line Moonscape the majority of Stage 2 Lots (47 of 49 Lots) by Bulldozing all exisiting gardens and over 70 mature trees on the proposed private allotments  including: 6 State 'Heritage Registered' Trees, and 12  Indigenous Trees 'Protected' under Native Vegetation legislation (inc Blackwood, Black Sheoak,  Lightwood, and Yellow Box. ) Saturday 13th December 2008 Cottages plan under attack Royce Millar, Age Investigative Unit December 13, 2008 THE State Government is under mounting pressure to rethink its $400 million Kew Cottages redevelopment, as the first residents of the scheme call for a halt to the next stage of work. At a public meeting this week residents from the 50-plus dwellings of the first stage of the project slammed the Government and its partner, the Walker Corporation, over what they said were changes to the designs of their homes after they were purchased off the plan. The residents have complained about myriad faults in their homes, including missing features such as bluestone and steel. And they are angry at poor environmental standards — notably an absence of a water recycling strategy. The meeting called on the Government to abandon stage two of the 500-dwelling project until problems were resolved in the first stage.... View Royce Millar's Full Story in the Melbourne Age >> Related Coverage Trouble in Kew  Dorothy Jones loves trees. Loves touching them and even ... Boroondara Council Studley Ward Public Meeting Wednesday 10th December 2008 Studley Ward Councillor Phillip Healey invites residents and other stakeholders to attend a ward meeting, specifically regarding the former Kew Residential Services site in Main Drive Kew.      All Local Members of State Parliament have been invited  inc: Andrew McIntosh (Liberal) ,  John Lenders (ALP),  Evan Thornley (ALP) Andrea Coote (Liberal),   David Davis  (Liberal, Chair. Public Land Inquiry) ,   Sue Pennicuik (Greens) The meeting will be held at 7pm on Wednesday 10 December 2008 in the Freeman Room at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church, corner High and Pakington Streets, Kew. (View Melways Map 45 D6 ) For further enquiries, please call 9278 4473. Wednesday 10th December is the 60th Anniversary of The Universal Declaration of Human Rights PREAMBLE Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world,... Thursday 4th December 2008 View Nick Higginbottom's Full Story in the Herald Sun ...> Print version >> St Kilda, Kew deals to be investigated Royce Millar writes in the Melbourne Age: THE redevelopment of Kew Cottages and the troubled revamp of the St Kilda triangle site are to be investigated by the State Ombudsman. A Legislative Council resolution pressed by the Opposition and the Greens last night sought the investigations following a parliamentary committee's inquiry into the State Government's handling of public land development. It is the first time the government watchdog has had such a referral from the upper house. Last night Deputy Ombudsman John Taylor confirmed his office would conduct the investigations... (more) Wednesday 3rd December 2008 Pressure for Ombudsman to Investigate Today the Upper House of the State Parliament will debate whether the Victorian Ombudsman should investigate the Brumby Government over its St Kilda Triangle and Kew Cottages land deals ... Former Senator Graham Richardson is not expected to attend. Live audio of the debate will be broadcast on the Parliamentary Website Wednesday, 3rd December is the United Nations  International Day of People with Disability Sunday 30th November 2008 Boroondara Local Government Election The Results.. Just three new faces for Boroondara Council Boroondara City Council Bellevue Ward MILES, Brad Cotham Ward BLOOM, David Gardiner Ward ROSS, Coral Glenferrie Ward MEGGS, Phil Junction Ward WEGMAN, Jack Lynden Ward KREUTZ, Heinz Maling Ward MENTING, Dick Maranoa Ward TRAGAS, Nicholas Solway Ward CHOW, Kevin Studley Ward HEALEY, Phillip Anthony Congratulations to all of Boroondara's new Councillors:-) Click here for details Tuesday 25th November 2008 Disabled at risk Cassie Maher writes (p.3)        KEW residents fear a disabled pedestrian could pay the ultimate price for unfinished roadworks in the Main Drive, Kew, estate.        About 95 former Kew Residential Services (KRS) residents have lived in 20 community residential units (CRUs) on the 27ha site since May.        Nicholas Bolin moved into one of the 75 new stage-one houses several months ago and said a lack of footpaths was forcing former KRS residents on to the road and into the path of construction vehicles.        ``One person nearly got bowled over by a truck and fell on his face in the tanbark,'' Mr Bolin said.... (more) ================================================== Heritage trees in peril Cassie Maher writes (p.13)        AN EMERGENCY on-site meeting will be held at Kew Cottages this week in a bid to save ailing heritage-registered trees.        Boroondara Council requested the meeting with Heritage Victoria, Major Projects Victoria and developer Walker Corporation following concerns raised by residents.        Studley Ward councillor Phillip Healey presented a slideshow of sick and dying trees at last week's council meeting.        He blamed the damage on semi-trailers driving over root zones and breaking limbs, and insufficient watering.        Heritage Victoria spokeswoman Angie Phelan said the Walker Corporation was required to have a tree management plan for heritage trees within the development area, including protective fencing, and a maintenance program for heritage trees outside the development area. Boroondara planning director Phillip Storer said he wanted to see the health of trees improved before the council took control of parts of the site in the future...(more).     The Battle for Boroondara Round 5 Local Election Update. Thursday 13th November 2008 On this day 5 years ago the Bracks Government suddenly seized control of the Kew Cottages redevelopment, and cancelled Third-Part Appeal Rights Danger... Guided Democracy @ Work Think Global.. (Think Economic Meltdown...) (Victoria's Public Health System in crisis..) (Victoria's Disability System in disarray...) Act Local.. It's local election time again in "Marvellous Melbourne" AND Unlike in the USA Voting is Compulsory So if you are enrolled make sure you "Vote Early & Vote Often..." (ie: at least once in every four years.. :-) Boroondara Election Links Our How To Vote Card for Carers (Please pass it on..) The Deadline - For your vote to count, it must be received by the Returning Officer by 6.00 pm on Friday, 28 November 2008. The Candidates Kew Cottages Entry Poll: The Winners BRAG Victorian  Electoral Commission You can post your ballot paper and ballot paper envelope in the reply paid envelope provided, or deliver it in person to: Hawthorn Town Hall, Hawthorn Room, 1st Fl/360 Burwood Road, Hawthorn 9.00 am - 5.00 pm weekdays plus 9.00 am - 8.00 pm on Thursday, 27 November and 9.00 am - 6.00 pm on Friday, 28 November "...If you do not like their policies then vote them out ! However, one problem with elections is that you always end up with a politician !" Long Suffering Politician , Camberwell, 2008 Friday 7th November 2008 Burke charged with Corruption Graham Richardson's protege is back in the news... DISGRACED former West Australian premier Brian Burke has been charged with corruption and giving false evidence to the Corruption and Crime Commission.... Thursday 23rd October 2008 The Melbourne Age Editorial Contriving a conflict where none has gone before "... a bill before the State parliament has taken the long battle between Spring Street and Victoria's town halls to a new level.. the effect of this legislation can only be to deter community activists from seeking election..." Saturday 19th October 2008 Power and persuasion Known in Labor circles as a powerbroker and a branchstacker, Theo Theophanous has had a colourful and controversial political career. Photo: Penny Stephens Writes Michael Bachelard in The Melbourne Age Tuesday 16th September 2008 Kew Plan under fire Friday 12th September 2008 Blast on public land deals by committee Nick Higginbottom writes AN all-party parliamentary committee has blasted the Brumby Government's handling of development of public land. And the committee wants an independent anti-corruption commission set up... Monday 7th July 2008 "SYDNEY-based property baron Lang Walker is said to boast he can 'buy and sell' any government in Australia.  "So it would seem he costed the Bracks Government at $100,000 in September 2006. Just over a year before, in June 2005, Walker Corporation was chosen as the preferred developer for the $400 million transformation of Kew Cottages into upmarket housing..." Political donations linked to developers, contractors Writes Royce Millar in The Melbourne Age Investigation How Labor gets its cash Read Royce Millar's full story "With Strings Attached" here President of the Kew Cottages Coalition, Brian Walsh, said, " The Age investigation now shows that the political donations linked to Graham Richardson and  the Main Drive Kew  development are just the tip of an iceberg ." Mr. Walsh said, "It looks like the people of Victoria have been set up to be sold down the river in exchange for developer donations.  It's time for Premier Brumby to put a stop to this madness. "Its time to stop stalling. Brumby must now prove to the Parliament beyond reasonable doubt, that he has got clean hands in this matter, and that neither his party, the Victorian Labor Party,  nor his Government, have been corrupted by the developer donations. "If he is unable to do that immediately, then I challenge the Premier to call the Sydney developers' bluff and:  Stop the clock on the  Kew Cottages development;  Cancel further stages of the Walker Corporation contract; and  Setup an Anti-corruption Commission in Victoria to investigate all of the donations identified by the Age." Monday 7th July 2008 OSCAR-winning actor Geoffrey Rush yesterday challenged the Brumby Government to create satellite cities to cope with Melbourne's booming population. Rush said "building out or up" had been the only options offered by the Government, creating a minefield of planning disasters. "It just seems odd to me that on a continent so big that we have most of our population areas clinging just to the coast," he said. Click here to read Geraldine Mitchell's full article Sunday 6th July 2008 Planning Minister Justin Madden apparently forgot he had been invited to the Clock Tower... Planning Backlash Public Meeting So John Clarke and Brian Dawe stepped in to give him a hand at the launch of his new " IKEA Plan" for Kew on the MarvellousMelbourne.org website THE Brumby Government is facing a growing backlash from the suburbs as an army of resident groups battles traffic congestion and the loss of neighbourhood character caused by over-development.         Speakers inc: Geoffrey Rush,  Rod Quantock (MC),  Mary Drost (Convenor) David Davis (Lib MP Chair. Public Land Inquiry) , Greg Barber (Greens, MP) 120 Resident Groups to rally - Moonee Valley Clocktower (Town Hall) Sun July 6 - 2:30 ANGRY ABOUT A PLANNING APPLICATION IN YOUR  AREA?? FEELING HELPLESS?? JOIN OVER 120 RESIDENT GROUPS FROM CITY, COAST & COUNTRY  TO TELL PREMIER BRUMBY & MINISTER MADDEN: “We're mad as hell and we're not going to take this anymore.” NO! to stripping away our right to object/appeal. NO! to stripping away council's planning powers. Public Meeting at the Clocktower (Town Hall) 750 Mt Alexander Rd.  Moonee Valley Melway Ref.28 J6 Tram 59 ..Airport West from Elizabeth St.   Broadmeadows Train to Moonee Ponds (Sundays  for seniors) SUNDAY 6TH JULY 2.30-4.00pm Minister Madden has been invited.   WILL HE COME? CLICK HERE FOR A MAP For info. Google www.marvellousmelbourne.org or ring  Mary Drost  0401 834 899 June 2008 Monday 30th June 2008 Kew Cottages Coalition proposal for KRS Site KCC President, Brian Walsh,  and Dr. Lindsay Grayson appear before the Select Committee on Public Land Development to present the Coalition's proposal for the future of the site. (More..) Friday 20th June 2008 Heritage tree damage costs developer $150,000 Steve Butcher writes in The Melbourne Age INCOMPETENCE by the company re-developing the former Kew Cottages site has cost it more than $150,000 after five heritage-listed trees were endangered during works....(more..) Friday 13th June 2008 Madden can't recall signing From: Herald Sun PLANNING Minister Justin Madden was forced on to the back foot in Parliament yesterday when he couldn't remember if he'd signed off on stage two of the controversial Kew Cottages redevelopment. Democratic Labor Party MP Peter Kavanagh refreshed Mr Madden's memory during Upper House Question Time, saying the minister had told Parliament on May 27 he was almost certain he had not given approval. Mr Madden yesterday responded "I don't pretend to remember all those (documents) that come before me" and said he would take the question on notice. Click here to read the full article on the Herald Sun website Wednesday 11th June  2008 Select Committee on Public Land Development The Committee tabled its Second Interim Report (109Kb) CHAIR’S FOREWORD  ....The new evidence received on key sites are highlighted in this second interim report, including the Kew Residential Development, a proposed development on the Port Campbell headlands, the continued alienation of public land within the Caulfield Racecourse Reserve, and the St Kilda Triangle development. With respect to Kew Residential Services, serious concerns have arisen about the process and the outcome of this development. The Committee’s second interim report again highlights the determination of the Deputy Premier to prevent scrutiny and deny the Committee full access to critical Government documents in relation to this development...." David Davis MLC Chairman The Legislative Council agreed to extend the Committee's reporting date until 11 September 2008 *** Wednesday 28th May 2008 Brumby Must Establish "Anti-Corruption Commission" - Before it is Too Late ! Brian Walsh, President, Kew Cottages Coalition today called on Premier John Brumby to personally intervene in the Kew Cottages development debacle, and to fast-track the establishment of an Anti-Corruption Commission in Victoria. Mr Walsh said, "The writing is now on the wall for everyone to read. Bracks really dragged the chain compared to the other States when it came to trying to solve the problem of political corruption. And the question now has to be asked - why ? " As reported in The Age, today the Select Committee now has learnt of a further large donation to the Victorian ALP from another client of Graham Richardson,who was found to be secretly linked to the Kew deal. According to the Australian Electoral Commission the publicly listed Sydney based developer Mirvac donated $50,000 to the Victorian ALP just 4 days after Walker Corporation was awarded the contract. Friday 23rd May 2008 Mary Bolling writes in the Herald Sun.... PLANNING Minister Justin Madden has denied knowledge of a developer's $100,000 political donation to his party, only a month before the developer won the contract for the $400 million Kew Cottages project... Mr Madden, facing questions from the Select Committee on Public Land Development, said yesterday he was Commonwealth Games minister when the controversial Kew decision was made -- and he ignored who made political donations to his party, anyway. Committee chairman and Liberal MP David Davis said Kew Cottages site developer Walker Corporation made the $100,000 donation to the Victorian Labor Party on September 4, 2006. (More..) Thursday 22nd May 2008 Kew site contract linked to donation Click here for Cameron Houston's full story from Ministers Madden & Theophanous appear before the Select Committee into Public Land Development. *** Monday  28th April 2008 Kew Cottages Coalition makes its preliminary submission P12879 Unclear and Unsafe. to Heritage Victoria on Walker Corporation's Application P12879 for a Stage 2 Heritage Permit. Monday  14th April 2008 Heritage Victoria undertakes to investigate the delay in Walker Corporation's advertising of its Stage 2 Heritage Permit Application.  Heritage Victoria then announces it is extending its Deadline for public submissions to 28th April 2008.  Friday  11th April 2008 Walker Corporation finally places its overdue Public Notices on Main Drive advertising its Stage 2 Heritage Permit Application but then on the same day...... Friday  11th April 2008 The Stage 2 Incident